Shade for a light

ABSTRACT

Shade for a light consisting of laminar elements which are individually bent and arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. Each element is provided with hook-like projections at both opposite lateral edges and recesses displaced in relation to the hook-like projections. Each of the plurality of adjacent rows consisting of the elements is offset to a preceding row thus forming a three-dimensional shade body.

United States Patent 1 Havlova, nee Stribrny May 29, 1973 541 SHADE FOR A LIGHT [75] Inventor: Milada Havlova, nee Stribrny, ll4 Munich, Germany [73] Assignee: Messrs. Vest Ges. m.b.H., Vienna,

Australia 22 Filed: Dec. 10, 1970 211 App]. No.: 96,842

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 13, 1969 Germany ..P i9 62 694.9

[52] US. Cl. ..240/108 R, 240/78 R [5 1] Int. Cl ..F2lv H00 [58] Field of Search ..240/10 R, 10 S, 78 R,

240/78 CF,'78 LD, 78 LK, l08 R, 108 B; 161/7, 17

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,364,349 l/l968 Witz ..240/108 R 3,562,077 2/1971 Raba ..l6l/l7 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 582,300 11/1946 Great Britain ..240/108 R 653,645 5/1951 Great Britain ..240/108 R Primary ExaminerSamuel S. Matthews Assistant ExaminerRussell B. Adams, Jr. Attorney-Toren and McGeady [57] ABSTRACT Shade for a light consisting of laminar elements which are individually bent and arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. Each element is provided with hook-like projections at both opposite lateral edges and recesses displaced in relation to the hook-like projections. Each of the plurality of adjacent rows consisting of the elements is offset to a preceding row thus forming a three-dimensional shade body.

13 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures Patented May 29, 1973 3,736,418

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uvmvron MIL/\DA HAVLOVA lmwamo fll' 0' ATTORNE 5 Patented May 29, 1973 INVENTOR. M/LADA HAVLO A Patented May 29, 1973 8 Sheets-Sheet B kwwm wwww' lia ala INVENTOR. M/LADA HAV OV BY 751w? am W ATTOR E) SHADE FOR A LIGHT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a shade for a light consisting of laminar elements of similar shape and size in the development, said elements being provided with hook-like projections at both opposite lateral edges and with at least one recess provided between said lateral edges adapted for the suspension of the hook-like projections of adjacent elements.

It is known to build latticeworks from such elements of rectangular shape for ceiling lights, which latticeworks extend in a flat plane and are arranged beneath one or more light sources. Such latticeworks do in fact screen the light sockets and connectors of the light source, however these lights do not have a very pleasing effect in living rooms because of their uniformity.

In order to obviate this disadvantage it is further known to build shades from concentric rings, between which corresponding to their final position preformed elements are arranged. The costs involved with production are considerable in this case and any possibilities of variation are excluded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION elements. It is a further object of the invention to provide elements which are similar in basic form and can be manufactured independently of the final shape of the shade. Yet a further object of the invention is the provision of a shade for a light, in which elements are intended to form a self-supporting, spatial structure, so that there is no need of support members.

In accordance with the invention the elements are bent in such a way that each of said elements forming a first row is fastened at a supporting member by means of said hook-like projections. The recess or recesses of the elements are displaced in relation to the hook-like projections so that each of a plurality of adjacent rows consisting of said elements being arranged in the same way like the first row is offset to a preceding row thus forming a three-dimensional shade body.

The elements bent outwardly, viewed from the light source, are already strengthened on account of this shaping and they form a stable row. The nondeformability of this row is improved by the adjacent rows, as the bent elements are each in engagement with two offset elements of each adjacent row. In addition to the formation of a stable structure, the positioning of the recesses in relation to the hook-like projections also gives the advantage that a three-dimensional shade body is produced which surrounds the light source for instance in the form of a sphere. With this for example a spherical, vaulted shade is obtained from elements of congruent shape, the curvature of which being determined by the number of elements arranged in a row. In addition to the constructional advantages there also results a favorable diffusion of light, because with a horizontal arrangement of the rows there is particularly strong shading at eye level. Furthermore the rays coming from the light source are reflected on to the inner surfaces and then deflected upwards or towards the outer surfaces of the elements of an adjacent, narrower row. The light striking the convex outer surfaces is then diffused on into the room.

Preferably, the elements are straight in their development at the lateral edges provided with the hook-like projections and the other two edges are arcuately curves. A shade in which the diameter of the rows of elements rapidly increases, can advantageously be produced in that the two side edges provided with the hook-like projections extend parallel. A less sudden increase in the diameter can be achieved in that the two side edges provided with the hook-like projections are convergent.

The elements consist advantageously of resiliently elastic material, in particular plastics, in order to thereby facilitate the assembly and to improve the shape retaining :property of the light, especially during usage. Polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyamides or cellulose esters for example can be used as plastics, which can be utilized in sheet thicknesses of up to 0.7mm, however preferably of 0.4mm. However metals can also be used which can be rolled into a curved shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows aplan view of a quadrant of a substantially ellipsoidal shade,

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic section along the line II-II in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows the development of an element substantially in natural size,

FIG. 4 shows another form of embodiment of an ele ment of which a part has been omitted,

FIG. 5 shows a form of embodiment of the hook-like projection of an element according to FIG 3, which is intended for the first row of a shade according to FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the development of a connecting element,

FIG. 7 shows a cutaway portion of a wall light made of elements according to FIG. 3 and 6,

FIG. 8 shows one half of a corner light or the end portion of a wall light made of elements according to FIG.

'3 and 6,

FIG. 9 shows a section along the line IX-IX in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the development of an element moditied in relation to FIG. 3 and 4,

FIG. 11 shows an elevation of a substantially ellipsoidal shade of a suspended light according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 12 shows a complete corner light according to FIG. 8,

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the light according to FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 shows an elevation of a suspended light, formed by four corner light parts according to FIG. 12 and 13 and FIG. 15 shows a plan view of the suspended light according to FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1, 2 and 11 show a substantially spherical shade for a light made up of individual elements. On a supporting member 10 in the form of a wire ring there are arranged the elements 11 of a first row 12, to which further concentric rows 13 to 18 are appended, enveloping a-lightsource'ZO. The rows 12 to 18 each have an equal number of elements 11 which however are bent with a different radius of curvature.

One element 11 is made straight in the development at the side edges provided with hook-like projections 24, 25, while the other two edges 21, 22 are arcuately curved as boundary curves. The arcuate curves can as in FIG. point in opposite directions. In accordance with FIG. 3 they point in the same direction so that the element 11 consists of a substantially arcuate blank with an inner boundary curve 21 and an outer boundary curve 22. In this embodiment the two boundary curves have the same curvature which extends into tangents of different inclinations. The two edges or boundary curves 21 and 22 each run into a substantially straight edge 23 on the side edges. In the region of this edge 23 there are formed the upper and lower hooklike projections 24 and 25. For this purpose the edge 23 is provided, adjacent and parallel to it, with indentations 26 having recesses 27, the recesses 27 being shorter than the indentations 27.

In the center between the indentations 27 there are the slots 31, 32 which in the embodiment according to the FIG. 3 and 4 start at the edges 21, 22, whereas in the embodiment according to FIG. 10 the slot 32 lies in the surface of the element 11. The distance 30 between the ends of the slots 31, 32 pointing at one another corresponds to the length of the indentations 26. The width of slots 31, 32 corresponds approximately to double the material thickness of an element 11.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 the indentation 26 is offset vertically in relation to the distance 30 by about half the length of the indentation 26 or of the distance 30. The extent of this offset forms the basis of the form of embodiment of a shade represented in FIG. 1, 2 and 11. In this shade a specific number of elements 11 is arranged on the supporting member 10 to form one row 12. Since the number of elements is the same in all the rows, the shape of the finished shade depends essentially on the compactness of the elements distributed along the supporting ring 10, i.e. on their number. A large number of elements thus produces an ellipsoidal envelope curve projecting out a considerable way and falling away only gradually.

The row 13 is produced by the hook-like projections 24, 25 of two adjacent elements 11 of the row 13 engaging in the slots 31, 32 of one element of the row 12. The other hook-like projections 24, 25 of the elements 11 of the row 13 engage in the slots 31, 32 of the element adjacent thereto of the row 12. By using resiliently elastic elements 11 the correct curvature of the elements of the row 13 is produced automatically. The

radius of curvature thus depends on the compactness or the number of elements 11 in the row 12, respectively.

Similarly the rows 14, 15, 16, 17 are produced, from which results the plan according to FIG. 1. Such a shade takes substantially the form of a half ellipsoid. It is possible to apply to the outwardly pointing surface of the row 17 a hoop which gives a uniform rim, which however is not necessary.

FIG. 2 and 11 illustrate how the aforementioned shade can be completed to form a closed hollow body. Two rows of elements 46 and 47 for example are arranged on a ring or hoop 40 made preferably of translucent material, which may be elastic and has a diameter adapted to the particular requirements. These rows of elements have the same number of elements 11 as the rows 16 and 17. Their diameter likewise corresponds to these rows 16 and 17, which is made possible by the ring 40. The rows of elements 12 to 17 and 46 and 47 are joined to one another by the row 18 which consists of connecting elements 19.

Such a connecting element is shown in FIG. 6. The lateral outer edges 23 of the connecting element 19 are about twice as long as those of an individual element according to FIG. 3. On either side there are provided in each case two indentations 26, in alignment with one another, having corresponding recesses 27. The latter are arranged in foldable symmetry between the boundary curves 21 which correspond to the inner boundary curve 21 of the individual element according to FIG. 3.

The row 18 is formed in that the hook-like projections 24 and 25 of two adjacent elements 19 engage simultaneously in the slots 31, 32 of the corresponding elements 11 of the rows 17 and 47.

For the fastening of the elements of the uppermost row 12 or the lowermost row 46 according to FIG. 2 the elements 11 of these rows can have in the region of the upper hook-like projection 24 an eyelet 29 which is formed at the appropriate end of the indentation 26. The eyelets 29 can engage on a ring 10 if this has a corresponding cross-section. By this measure it can be achieved that for conveyance the lamp or shade can be made to collapse to form a comparatively flat package. The elastic construction of the elements 11 enables such deformation, without the shade undergoing permanent distortion during conveyance. Moreover the lamp can be suspended immediately after unpacking, whereupon it will reliably take on the desired shape. Furthermore it is achieved by this that with careless handling of the lamp the latter will not be damaged but will retain its shape.

Whereas in connection with FIG. 1, 2 and 11 it was a question of annular supporting members 10, the latter can also be made oval or according to FIG. 7 to 9 and 12 to 15 flat. A supporting member 50 for an elongated, rectangular wall light consists of an upper and a lower strip 51, which strips are adapted to the indentations 26 as regards shape and width. The strips 51 are connected to one another by correspondingly formed cross members 52 which can have brackets 53 for fastening the light to the wall and which carry the light source 20.

Extending outwards from the strips 51 are parallel rows 12 to 16 and 42 to 46 which comprise of elements 11. The rows 16 and 46 as already described are connected to one another by a row 18 of elements 19. The lateral end portion of such a light can be formed above all for the elements by corresponding stop members on the faces of the strips 51 which are completed by a corresponding end plate. Advantageously however the end portion for a strip according to FIG. 7 is made in accordance with FIG. 8. The strips 51 in this case are somewhat inclined so that the rows 12 to 16 and 42 to 46 can terminate in a correspondingly staggered manner.

FIG. 8 illustrates simultaneously half of a corner light, in which the strips 51 are bent round through viewed in plan and the said angle is located at the point at which the two strips have their greatest distance from one another, which is shown in FIG. 12 and 13. In FIG. 14 and 15 four corner light portions are interlocked to form a suspended light projecting out particularly widely. The strips 51 can here be selected about l m long so that the diagonal length of the light amounts to 2 m. The strips 51 can be joined together by screws (not shown) and attached to a common fixing plate (likewise not shown). This plate is provided with the components for suspending the light and for the current supply. In these specific embodiments the rows 12 to 16 and 42 to 46 do not comprise the same number of elements. Preferably, it may be taken from FIG. 12 and 13 that only one element 11 forms row 12 or 42, respectively. Rows 13 to 16 and 43 to 46 comprise an increasing number of elements. Instead of one element 11 row 12 or 42, respectively, may comprise more than one element.

A wall-light in relief can be made from the cornerlight portions according to FIG. 12 and 13 in such a way that only two of these portions are combined together. This corresponds practically to the half of the lamp represented in Flg. which then likewise corresponds to the elevation in FIG. 14.

The width of a lamp can be determined by the number of individual elements 11 used in one row. A large number of elements brings about in all embodiments small radii of curvature and therefore wide shades. This can also be achieved however by the distance between the edges 23 being made larger and therefore the elements are correspondingly wider. Owing to the shape of the elements a relationship results between the height and width of the lamp. If it is desired, in particular with wall-lights, to produce elongated shapes without the shade being raised too much from the wall, then elements according to FIG. 4 or 10 can be employed. With these elements the degree of projection is reduced in that the indentations 26 are somewhat inclined towards the slots or recesses 31, 32. The declination of the rows formed from such elements is therefore steeper but with the same basic design, as for example in the embodiment according to FIG. 2. The row 18 therefore approaches more closely to the light source 20 or has even the diameter of the row 12 again, so that the row of connecting elements 19 and the inversely formed rows 46, 47 can be omitted.

FIG. 4 and 10 show an element which is already modified in relation to the individual element 11 and the corresponding connecting element 19. Further embodiments can be formed in that the boundary curves for example are angular. it is only essential that the slots or recesses 31, 32 have a specific position in relation to the indentations 26 and indeed in such a way that the slots or recesses 31, 32 are arranged in the center between the indentations 26 and are offset vertically in relation to these latter. Although it is especially advantageous to use resiliently elastic plastics for producing the elements, they can for example consist of metal. The elements are then bent according to the plan shape required. Even angular plan shapes can be used, however in this respect it must be taken into consideration that prefabrication of the individual elements for the particular rows presupposes a higher labor expenditure.

In connection with FIG. 3 and 4 the valid relationship is that the indentations 26 are displaced vertically by about half the length in relation to the slots or recesses 31, 32. This displacement can be varied in order to obtain certain shade shapes. A substantially indirect illumination is ensured in that the width of one element 1 1 is at least as large as the distance apart of the edges or boundary curves 21, 22 of the elements 11 of the two adjacent element rows directed towards this element 1 l I In FIG. 3 and 4 the slots or recesses 31 and 32 are arranged in the region of the edges 21 and 22 and open out into these. This is not obligatory. Moreover individual slots or all the slots 31 and 32 can take the form of oblong holes, approximately as shown in FIG. 10 with the distance 30 being preserved, which holes must be large enough in size to comfortably accommodate the hook-like projections 24 and 25. In order to prevent light escaping through the slots or oblong holes 31, 32, which would have a deleterious effect, the width of the slots or oblong holes has maximum dimensions such that in each case two hook-like projections 24, 25 can be inserted lying flat on one another.

With regard to the escape of light it is also to be observed that the shade according to the invention has no rigid support arrangements which commonly cause shadows. In addition the elements are formed in such a way that the portions of the elements determining the rigidity lie parallel to the path of the rays. These sections do not therefore appear disadvantageously, although they secure satisfactorily the elements. By means of the reflection, already mentioned, of the emerging light the shade functions satisfactorily despite its rigidity, there being achieved with the shade according to FIG. 1, 2 and 11, on account of the varying radii of curvature of the rows of elements, graduated lighting effects. The diffuse distribution because of differently curved, outward pointing surfaces assists this effect. A slightly differentiated light spread is present with the element arrangements as in FIG. 7 to 9 and 12 to 15, since the radii of curvature are the same in plan in all rows. In the case of all shades however the escape of light from the light source in the horizontal plane is substantially eliminated and strongly reflected thereabove or therebel'ow. The reflection decreases continuously to the perpendicular and finally falls away completely in this.

What is claimed is:

1. A shade for a light source comprising a plurality of individual flexible laminar elements deformable from a first configuration where the laminar element is in a flat plane into a second configuration where the laminar element is in a curved plane, in the first configuration said laminar elements are of similar shape and size, said laminar elements having a pair of first oppositely disposed side edges, at least one hook-like projection located at each of said first side edges, at least one slot formed in each said laminar element intermediate said first side edges, said slot arranged to receive said hooklike projections of adjacent said elements, a supporting member, a first row of said laminar elements in the second configuration each fastened on said supporting member by means of said hook-like projections, on each said laminar element said slot is displaced in the direction in which said first side edges extend relative to said hook-like projections so that a second row of said laminar elements in the second configuration can be secured in offset relationship to the first row by means of said hook-like projections thereon fitted into said slots in said laminar elements of the first row and subsequent adjacent rows of said laminar elements can be added in the same manner forming a threedimensional shade body.

2. A shade, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said laminar elements are formed of resiliently elastic materials.

3. A shade for a light source comprising a plurality of individual flexible laminar elements deformable from a first configuration where the laminar element is in a flat plane into a second configuration where the laminar element is in a curved plane, in the first configuration said laminar elements are of similar shape and size, said laminar elements having a pair of first oppositely disposed side edges, at least one hook-like projection located on each said first side edge, at least one slot formed in each said laminar element intermediate said first side edges, said slot arranged to receive said hooklike projections of adjacent said elements, a supporting member, a first row of laminar elements in the second configuration each fastened on said supporting member by means of said hook-like projections, on each said laminar element said slot is displaced in the direction in which said first side edges extend relative to said hook-like projections so that a second row of said laminar elements in the second configuration can be secured in offset relationship to said first row by means of said hook-like projections thereon fitted into said slots in said laminar elements of the first row and subsequent adjacent rows of said laminar elements can be added in the same manner forming a three-dimensional shade body, and in the first configuration said first side edges of each said laminar element are straight and a pair of spaced second side edges extend between said first side edges and are arcuately curved.

4. A shade body, as set forth in claim 3, in which said first side edges having said hook-like projections extend in parallel relationship.

5. A shade, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first side edges having said hook-like projections are arranged in converging relationship.

6. A shade, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said arcuately curved second side edges both curve in the same direction between said first side edges.

7. A shade, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said arcuately curved second side edges curve in the opposite directions between said first side edges.

8. A shade, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first side edges extend in the vertical direction, a pair of spaced second side edges extending between said first side edges in the horizontal directions so that in the second configuration of said elements the width of one said element in one row is at least as great as the horizontal distance a part of the adjacent positions between said first side edges of said element in the adjacent rows of elements.

9. A shade, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting member has a ring-like circular profile and is positioned in the upper part of the shade, and said hook-like projections fastened on said supporting member each have an eyelet formed therein which engages the circular profile of said supporting member.

10. A shade for a light source comprising a plurality of individual flexible laminar elements deformable from a first configuration where the laminar element is in a flat plane into a second configuration where the laminar element is in a curved plane, in the first config uration said laminar elements are of similar shape and size, said laminar elements having a pair of first oppositely disposed side edges, at least one hook-like projection located on each said first side edge, at least one slot formed in each said laminar element intermediate said first side edges, said slot arranged to receive said hook-like projections of adjacent said laminar elements, a supporting member, a first row of said laminar elements in the second configuration each fastened on said supporting member by means of said hook-like projections, on each said laminar element said slot is displaced in the direction in which said first side edges extend relative to said hook-like projections so that a second row of said laminar elements in the second configuration can be secured in offset relationship to said first row by means of said hook-like projections thereon fitted into said slots in said laminar elements of said first row and subsequent adjacent rows of said laminar elements can be added in the same manner forming a three-dimensional shade body, said supporting member located in the upper part of the shade, another supporting member spaced below the upper said supporting member, a first plurality of rows extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper said sup porting member, a second plurality of rows extending upwardly and outwardly from said another supporting member, and row of connecting elements joining the lowermost row of elements of said first plurality of rows and the uppermost row of said elements of said second plurality of rows.

11. A shade body, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said connecting elements have substantially the form of one said laminar element in said first plurality of rows and one said laminar element in said second plurality of rows united symmetrically along a horizontal line in overlapping relationship and each said connecting element has at least two hook-like projections on two opposite side edges thereof and is free of slots therein with said hook-like projections arranged in alignment on said side edges.

12. A shade, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said supporting members have the form of one of linear, gently curved and angled strips.

13. A shade, as set forth in claim 10, wherein the number of elements increases in succeeding rows in the downward direction in said first plurality of rows and in succeeding rows in the upward direction in said second plurality of rows, said upper supporting member and said another supporting member formed of a right angle strip, a shade portion formed of a said first plurality of rows and a said second plurality of rows connected together by said connecting elements, and at least two of said shade portions joined together in forming a common shade body. 

1. A shade for a light source comprising a plurality of individual flexible laminar elements deformable from a first configuration where the laminar element is in a flat plane into a second configuration where the laminar element is in a curved plane, in the first configuration said laminar elements are of similar shape and size, sAid laminar elements having a pair of first oppositely disposed side edges, at least one hook-like projection located at each of said first side edges, at least one slot formed in each said laminar element intermediate said first side edges, said slot arranged to receive said hook-like projections of adjacent said elements, a supporting member, a first row of said laminar elements in the second configuration each fastened on said supporting member by means of said hooklike projections, on each said laminar element said slot is displaced in the direction in which said first side edges extend relative to said hook-like projections so that a second row of said laminar elements in the second configuration can be secured in offset relationship to the first row by means of said hooklike projections thereon fitted into said slots in said laminar elements of the first row and subsequent adjacent rows of said laminar elements can be added in the same manner forming a threedimensional shade body.
 2. A shade, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said laminar elements are formed of resiliently elastic materials.
 3. A shade for a light source comprising a plurality of individual flexible laminar elements deformable from a first configuration where the laminar element is in a flat plane into a second configuration where the laminar element is in a curved plane, in the first configuration said laminar elements are of similar shape and size, said laminar elements having a pair of first oppositely disposed side edges, at least one hook-like projection located on each said first side edge, at least one slot formed in each said laminar element intermediate said first side edges, said slot arranged to receive said hook-like projections of adjacent said elements, a supporting member, a first row of laminar elements in the second configuration each fastened on said supporting member by means of said hook-like projections, on each said laminar element said slot is displaced in the direction in which said first side edges extend relative to said hook-like projections so that a second row of said laminar elements in the second configuration can be secured in offset relationship to said first row by means of said hook-like projections thereon fitted into said slots in said laminar elements of the first row and subsequent adjacent rows of said laminar elements can be added in the same manner forming a three-dimensional shade body, and in the first configuration said first side edges of each said laminar element are straight and a pair of spaced second side edges extend between said first side edges and are arcuately curved.
 4. A shade body, as set forth in claim 3, in which said first side edges having said hook-like projections extend in parallel relationship.
 5. A shade, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first side edges having said hook-like projections are arranged in converging relationship.
 6. A shade, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said arcuately curved second side edges both curve in the same direction between said first side edges.
 7. A shade, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said arcuately curved second side edges curve in the opposite directions between said first side edges.
 8. A shade, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first side edges extend in the vertical direction, a pair of spaced second side edges extending between said first side edges in the horizontal directions so that in the second configuration of said elements the width of one said element in one row is at least as great as the horizontal distance a part of the adjacent positions between said first side edges of said element in the adjacent rows of elements.
 9. A shade, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting member has a ring-like circular profile and is positioned in the upper part of the shade, and said hook-like projections fastened on said supporting member each have an eyelet formed therein which engages the circular profile of said supporting member.
 10. A shade for a light Source comprising a plurality of individual flexible laminar elements deformable from a first configuration where the laminar element is in a flat plane into a second configuration where the laminar element is in a curved plane, in the first configuration said laminar elements are of similar shape and size, said laminar elements having a pair of first oppositely disposed side edges, at least one hook-like projection located on each said first side edge, at least one slot formed in each said laminar element intermediate said first side edges, said slot arranged to receive said hook-like projections of adjacent said laminar elements, a supporting member, a first row of said laminar elements in the second configuration each fastened on said supporting member by means of said hook-like projections, on each said laminar element said slot is displaced in the direction in which said first side edges extend relative to said hook-like projections so that a second row of said laminar elements in the second configuration can be secured in offset relationship to said first row by means of said hook-like projections thereon fitted into said slots in said laminar elements of said first row and subsequent adjacent rows of said laminar elements can be added in the same manner forming a three-dimensional shade body, said supporting member located in the upper part of the shade, another supporting member spaced below the upper said supporting member, a first plurality of rows extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper said supporting member, a second plurality of rows extending upwardly and outwardly from said another supporting member, and row of connecting elements joining the lowermost row of elements of said first plurality of rows and the uppermost row of said elements of said second plurality of rows.
 11. A shade body, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said connecting elements have substantially the form of one said laminar element in said first plurality of rows and one said laminar element in said second plurality of rows united symmetrically along a horizontal line in overlapping relationship and each said connecting element has at least two hook-like projections on two opposite side edges thereof and is free of slots therein with said hook-like projections arranged in alignment on said side edges.
 12. A shade, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said supporting members have the form of one of linear, gently curved and angled strips.
 13. A shade, as set forth in claim 10, wherein the number of elements increases in succeeding rows in the downward direction in said first plurality of rows and in succeeding rows in the upward direction in said second plurality of rows, said upper supporting member and said another supporting member formed of a right angle strip, a shade portion formed of a said first plurality of rows and a said second plurality of rows connected together by said connecting elements, and at least two of said shade portions joined together in forming a common shade body. 